The results of a phase III trial of capecitabine (Xeloda) in combination with
docetaxel (Taxotere) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer were
published in a recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology (20:2812-2823,
2002). Based on data from this trial, the US Food and Drug Administration
approved the use of the capecitabine/docetaxel combination for this indication.

"We believe that the survival advantage of the combination of Xeloda
plus Taxotere may benefit many patients with metastatic breast cancer,"
said Georges Gemayel, vice president, National Specialty Care Business
Operation, at Roche.

Study Data

A total of 511 patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who
had failed anthracycline treatment were randomized to either the combination
(oral capecitabine: 1,250 mg/m2 twice daily, days 1 to 14 with 1 week of rest,
plus IV docetaxel: 75 mg/m2, day 1 of each 21-day cycle) or monotherapy (IV
docetaxel: 100 mg/m2, day 1 of each 21-day cycle). Study end points included
overall survival, time to disease progression, and tumor response rate.

"The combination of Xeloda and Taxotere is a major advancement in
treating women with metastatic breast cancer, due in large part to the
significant survival advantage observed with the combination," said Joyce O’Shaughnessy,
md, codirector of breast cancer research at Baylor-Sammons Cancer Center and US
Oncology. "This represents a crucial development, as improvements in
patient survival are the bottom line, and the data from this study show early
and consistent benefits for women treated with Xeloda and Taxotere, including
survival, overall response rates, and time to disease progression."

The most common side effects of the combination therapy included
gastrointestinal disturbances and hand-foot syndrome (painful swelling, rash, or
ulceration of hands and feet) and for docetaxel alone, included pain in the
joints and muscles and low white blood cell counts.

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